Ganesha immersion a low-key affair

The effect of the shocking death of Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in the dense Nallamala Hills had its sobering effect on the cavalcade of the elephant god in the twin cities on Thursday.

The immersion procession, which always was a moment of merriment across the various streets of the city, remained a silent affair this time. The grand procession from old city did not begin till late in the morning with Balapur Ganesha moving only at 11.30 a.m.

Even the streams of smaller Ganeshas which began earlier in the day did not have the usual teenmar beats and dancing. Mere slogans by the devotees marked the occasion.

Organisers of the procession were reportedly asked by the local Congress leaders to keep it a low-key affair, a request promptly accepted by the various Ganesh Utsav Samithis.

However, all the junctions in the old city were jammed right since morning due to demonstrations by the Congress Party cadre.

Slideshow

Preparation for celebrating the Festival of Colours - Holi is in full swing with small-time vendors and in Begum Bazar and others areas in Hyderabad stocking materials like colours and Chinese sprayers. Photos: Mohammed Yousuf.